The Institute of Real Estate Studies (IRES) at NUS has established a new Professorship focusing on the sustainable built environment in honour of the late Mr Lum Chang of the Lum Chang Group and his many contributions to society. Named the Lum Chang Professorship, the endowment fund is supported by a generous pledged gift of $2 million by the Executive Chairman of Lum Chang Holdings Mr Raymond Lum, Managing Director Mr David Lum and the Group's construction arm Lum Chang Building Contractors.

NUS President Professor Tan Chorh Chuan received the cheque on behalf of IRES during a reception held at the Shaw Foundation Alumni House on 11 August. "The establishment of this Professorship is very important because the university itself is a talent-driven institution. When we are able to appoint top professors who are international leaders in their field, the quality of our teaching will further improve, our students will benefit and we are able to attract and mentor even better junior faculty, said Prof Tan.

The Professorship seeks to attract outstanding academics and intellectual leaders of international repute with a demonstrated ability to contribute substantially in the field of sustainable built environment. The appointed professors will engage in new lines of research, develop innovative teaching methods and mentor junior faculty members and students.

Areas of focus will include sustainable development, urban planning and green buildings, critical elements in the field of sustainable built environment that are integral to the study of real estate. IRES recognises the need to deepen cutting-edge expertise and promote a culture of innovation in such areas that permeates not only the academic circles but also for the good of society.

Benefactor Lum Chang has long been an advocate of community projects, both local and overseas. Established in the 1940s, its community efforts over the years include supporting various charitable organisations dealing with the underprivileged and providing scholarships for students keen on a career in the built environment. With its origins in construction, the Group has since expanded its portfolio to include property development and investment. Its construction arm, Lum Chang Building Contractors, is one of Singapore's leading construction companies. The firm is also responsible for having constructed much of NUS' Kent Ridge campus from 1973 to 1982.